News Shorts l National Institute of Public Finance and Policy

By - Amit kumaR Agarwal

The Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated and laid foundation stone of New Multipurpose Hall and Residential (Complex/Block) at National Institute of Public Finance and Policy.

Interestingly it may be noted that the inauguration and laying of foundation stone coincided with the Golden Jubilee Celebrations that are underway in New Delhi.

Press Release l Ministry of Science & Technology

The Technology Development Board (TDB), Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, has signed an agreement with M/s Scharge Pvt Limited for the project titled “Powering EV Charging Innovation.” The project is supported under the India–UK Collaborative R&D Programme for Industrial Sustainability, in partnership with UK-based Albright Product Design Limited, aimed at developing advanced and efficient solutions for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.

The supported project focuses on the development of a next-generation EV charging solution tailored for commercial fleet and depot operations. The technology integrates an innovative EV charger charge controller developed by Scharge Pvt Limited with a patented automated cable management system from the UK partner. This integrated approach is designed to improve operational efficiency, safety, and usability in high-demand EV charging environments

The solution introduces a motorised overhead cable management system, specifically designed for fleet-based applications, which streamlines charging operations by reducing manual handling, minimizing cable wear and tear, and enhancing user convenience. The system is compatible with existing AC Type-2 EV chargers and aims to improve charging turnaround time while ensuring safe and organized infrastructure in depot settings.

By addressing key operational challenges such as cable management, equipment protection, and workflow optimization, the technology is expected to significantly enhance the efficiency of EV charging depots. It also contributes to improved safety standards by reducing risks related to cable damage, vandalism, and operational hazards.

Scharge Pvt Limited, an emerging Indian EV technology company, is focused on developing advanced power electronics and smart charging systems. Through this project, the company aims to strengthen indigenous capabilities in EV charging technologies while enabling scalable and sustainable infrastructure for the growing electric mobility sector.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary, TDB, stated that collaborative R&D initiatives such as the India–UK programme play a critical role in accelerating the development of advanced, industry-relevant technologies. He noted that innovations in EV charging infrastructure are essential to support the rapid adoption of electric mobility and to build a robust, efficient, and future-ready ecosystem in India.

Promoter of Scharge Pvt Limited expressed appreciation for the support and highlighted that the project will enable the company to bring innovative, globally competitive EV charging solutions to market, addressing the evolving needs of fleet operators and infrastructure providers.

Press Release l Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs

Navi Mumbai’s Textile Recovery Facility is transforming textile waste into opportunity through circular systems and community participation. Under Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0, the initiative cuts landfill waste, creates livelihoods, and offers a scalable model for urban India.

India generates nearly 7.8 million metric tonnes of post-consumer textile waste each year, reflecting the scale and diversity of fabrics used across households, institutions and industries. From sarees and uniforms to denim and household linen, textiles form a significant yet often overlooked component of the urban waste stream. Cities are increasingly recognising the need to develop structured systems for textile recovery, reuse and recycling. With growing attention on circular economy approaches and resource efficiency, municipalities are beginning to explore innovative solutions that prevent textiles from ending up in landfills.

Under the Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban 2.0, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has emerged as a national pioneer in this space. Recognising the opportunity to address textile waste through systemic intervention, NMMC established India’s first Municipal Textile Recovery Facility (TRF) in Belapur, Navi Mumbai. By integrating decentralised collection, scientific sorting, traceability and women-led livelihood generation, the TRF repositions textile waste from an overlooked stream to a valuable component of the urban circular economy.

The Textile Recovery Facility (TRF) in Navi Mumbai has been conceptualised not as a standalone collection centre, but as a comprehensive circular ecosystem that integrates collection, sorting, technology and livelihood generation.

The model begins with decentralised collection, wherein branded textile bins have been strategically deployed across housing societies in all 8 municipal wards. To date, 140 bins have been installed, with the current phase targeting 250, ensuring accessibility and citizen participation at the grassroots level.

At the interim TRF, established in a repurposed urban health centre in Belapur, the focus is on Scientific Sorting and Traceability. Collected textiles are weighed, tagged and systematically categorised into reusable, recyclable, upcyclable, down cyclable and reject streams. The integration of the KOSHA handheld scanner enables real-time fibre identification — including cotton, polycotton, polyester, wool and silk — thereby strengthening scientific classification and optimising material recovery.

The Digital Tracking, with a dedicated MIS platform under development to facilitate item journey mapping from donor to end-use product, reinforces transparency, accountability and data-driven decision-making. After identification, the textiles are segregated based on fabric type, colour and condition to streamline further processing. The sorted materials are then thoroughly sanitised to ensure hygiene and safety before they are repurposed.

Suitable fabrics are transformed into bags, mats, accessories, apparel and home décor items, handcrafted by skilled women from self-help groups. These upcycled products are later showcased and sold at exhibitions, giving a renewed life and purpose to materials that were once considered waste.

More than 300 women have undergone structured 8-day Training-of-Trainers (ToT) modules covering fibre identification, segregation protocols, repair techniques and upcycling skills. Over 150 women are now actively earning between ₹9,000 and ₹15,000 per month through textile sorting, stitching and product transformation.

This initiative has marked a transformative shift — enabling homemakers to emerge as skilled circular economy practitioners. The facility operates as a dedicated upcycling centre where Self-Help Group (SHG) members create bags, garments, pouches and home décor products from recovered textiles. Textile recovery has evolved as a structured livelihood engine — generating green jobs, strengthening local enterprise and reinforcing the dignity of labour within an urban sustainability framework.

The TRF model has helped collect 30 MT of post-consumer textile waste, of which 25.5 MT have been scientifically sorted. Over 41,000 items have been processed at an average of nearly 500 items per day. The initiative has reached more than 1,14,575 families through outreach efforts, conducted over 75 IEC workshops and onboarded 350+ society representatives, reflecting strong citizen participation and institutional engagement. Over 400 upcycled product samples have been developed, including a successful pilot batch of paper manufactured from rejected textile waste — demonstrating innovation within resource recovery.

To promote awareness and expand market opportunities, the TRF has actively participated in over 30 exhibitions and public events. These platforms have played a key role in raising awareness about the importance of recycling and reusing post-consumer textiles, while also providing women artisans with opportunities to showcase and sell their products.

Implementation of the TRF in Navi Mumbai faced early challenges, including resistance to bin placement, limited awareness of textile segregation and complexities in sorting mixed fibres. These were mitigated through phased deployment, sustained citizen engagement, inter-agency coordination and the adoption of fibre-scanning technology.

Building on the success of the interim TRF at Belapur, the next phase envisions a permanent, higher-capacity Textile Recovery Facility in Koparkhairane near Nisarg Udyan.

The Textile Recovery Facility in Navi Mumbai demonstrates that waste streams traditionally considered residual can be repositioned as drivers of economic and environmental value. It aligns with the principles of Swachh Bharat 2.0, Smart Cities Mission and Sustainable Development Goal 12 — responsible consumption and production.

Press Release l The International Council on Clean Transportation l April 2026

Editorial Note:

Welcome to the April 2026 edition of ICCT India Insights.

As India’s clean transport transition accelerates, this edition highlights the policies, data, and real-world developments shaping the sector. From emissions monitoring in Delhi to the growing role of supply-side regulations and zero-emission vehicles, we bring together key insights driving the next phase of transition.

ICCT India at Mumbai Climate Week: Driving clean transport transitions

At Mumbai Climate Week, ICCT India emphasised the need for a systems-level approach to reduce transport emissions, combining fleet transition strategies with enabling infrastructure. ICCT also submitted a policy recommendation note outlining key measures to support this transition. See here.

Key insights:

▪️ High-utilisation segments offer strong electrification potential, yet adoption in Mumbai remains limited

▪️ Phasing out older, high-emitting vehicles can deliver immediate air quality benefits

▪️ Expanding charging access, through measures like a “Right to Charge” will be critical to scaling EV adoption

From Tailpipes to Policy: Delhi’s Transport Emissions Crisis

In collaboration with EPIC India, ICCT convened the 7th EPIC India Dialogue to examine how real-world vehicle emissions are shaping air quality and public health in Delhi. The discussion included Amit Bhatt, India Managing Director, ICCT, in conversation with Kaushik Deb, Executive Director, EPIC India, and was moderated by Shravan Engineer. Watch the discussion here.

Why it matters: Emerging evidence shows that on-road emissions can exceed regulatory limits, underscoring the need for stronger enforcement, improved monitoring systems, and more integrated transport policy responses.

Press Release l Vice President's Secretariat

The Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, addressed the 3rd Convocation Ceremony of Mahatma Gandhi Central University at Motihari, East Champaran, Bihar today.

The Vice-President noted that Champaran holds a special place in India’s history, as it was here that Mahatma Gandhi transformed from a barrister into a mass leader rooted in India’s villages, and the Champaran Satyagraha awakened the conscience of the nation through truth, courage and justice.

Highlighting Bihar’s rich intellectual and spiritual heritage, the Vice President said that in this sacred land Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment, where the ancient Nalanda University stood as a beacon of global learning, and where great thinkers like Chanakya emerged.

The Vice-President said that the naming of Mahatma Gandhi Central University is deeply symbolic, reflecting a commitment to Gandhiji’s ideals of social justice, rural upliftment and ethical leadership. He also recalled the contribution of Maharani Janaki Kunwar, whose philanthropy and donation of land played an important role in the establishment of educational institutions in the region, and said that such visionary generosity strengthens the foundation of education and social progress.

The Vice-President expressed happiness that the University has implemented the National Education Policy 2020 and introduced new integrated courses. He appreciated the establishment of the Indian Knowledge Systems Centre and the University’s emphasis on sports and fitness under the Fit India Movement. He also expressed happiness that the University toppers in both Undergraduate and Postgraduate programmes are women students, describing it as a reflection of the progress of women-led development in the country.

Addressing the graduating students, the Vice-President said that convocation marks not the end of education but the beginning of a lifelong journey of learning. He emphasised that in a rapidly changing world driven by technology, fields such as Artificial Intelligence and Data Science are opening new avenues of innovation and growth, and urged students to use technology responsibly for nation-building.

The Vice-President urged students to adopt the guiding principle of “Nation First” and appealed to the youth to take a firm stand against substance abuse and work towards building a healthy and strong society. He said that in today’s world, Gandhiji’s principle of non-violence remains highly relevant and must guide not only our actions but also our behaviour in the digital world.

The Governor of Bihar, Lt. Gen. Syed Ata Hasnain. (Retd.); Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha, Shri Harivansh; Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, Shri Samrat Chaudhary; Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines, Shri Satish Chandra Dubey; Education Minister of Bihar, Shri Sunil Kumar; Member of Parliament, East Champaran, Shri Radha Mohan Singh; Chancellor of the University, Dr. Mahesh Sharma; along with senior officials of the University, faculty members, students and their parents, were present on the occasion.

The Vice President also visited Charkha Park and the Mahatma Gandhi Satyagraha Smarak at Motihari and paid floral tributes, paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership during the Champaran Satyagraha and recalling his enduring message of truth, non-violence and service to the nation.

News Shorts l Foundation Stone for Large Cavitation Tunnel (LCT)

By - Amit kumaR Agarwal

The Union Minister for Defence, Rajnath Singh in a group photograph during the commissioning ceremony of INS Taragiri in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

The Union Minister also took a walkthrough of the Seakeeping and Manoeuvring Basin on the sidelines of the laying the foundation stone of the state-of-the-art Large Cavitation Tunnel (LCT) facility to boost naval research & testing capabilities at the Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL) – A premium laboratory of DRDO at Visakhapatnam, in Andhra Pradesh.

Hospitality, Travel, Tourism and Services Series l Harsh Kumar Singh

By - Amit kumaR Agarwal

Harsh Kumar Singh welcomes the Author at the Taj property

Service industry is all about serving with a smile; this is precisely what the author felt when he visited Taj City Centre New Town, Kolkata.

It was at this property the author met, Harsh Kumar Singh, Duty Manager, Taj City Centre New Town, Kolkata. Harsh embodies what the brand Taj stands for - warm, personal care and a wonderful experience to each guest - but most of all, create lasting memories that each guest cherishes for life.

Harsh made the experience of check-in very smooth and pleasant for the guest (author). The guest was way too early for check-in, but Harsh made sure that the guest was checked-in promptly, with every formality for check-in completed, in a matter of few minutes.

Speaking to the author, Harsh said he feels extremely happy that together with his team, he is able to provide guests with a pleasant stay and an experiential high, for which Taj is known for. For him, the fact that the guests are happy, is a satisfaction, more valuable than any honor or award.

Harsh was very recently promoted as Front Office Manager at Taj Vijayawada. The team of Bhaarat Bol News wishes all the best to this very dedicated, sincere but most of all jovial young man in the hospitality industry, who with his exemplary work is redefining the 'happiness' in the hospitality industry and taking the brand Taj to even greater heights!

#BNHAF Tiara News Trends on No. 1 For 2-days In A Row

By - Aanya

#BNHAF Tiara awarded by #BNHAF Awards and Festival is fast becoming one of the 'most wanted' Tiaras that women aspire to be crowned with, in the world.

Launched by #BNHAF Awards at the 76th Cannes Film Festival in France in 2023, the tiara is not only limited to high-flying models or beauty-pageant winners; "what I really liked about Amit's vision was that the tiara celebrates the women of substance cutting across the age-barrier," gushes Rekha Vohraa talent mentor of #BNHAF Awards and Festival.

Amit R Agrwal, multi-award winning filmmaker ready with few films to present at the Cannes Film Festival 2026 said "as an artistic director of #BNHAF Awards, I attended many awards in USA and then in Europe that had only awardees attending, in spite of a gathering or 4 or 5 people in these editions, I realized the importance the awards held for each winner. This is what prompted me to launch #BNHAF Tiara, a multi-continent event".

Neera Jain winner of #BNHAF Tiara at the 24th Edition of #BNHAF Awards and Festival said that winning a Tiara was her dream, but she couldn't win it in her younger days because of the social structure of the families, "thankfully #BNHAF empowered me at 70, to win the Tiara".

Rimee Raghav, aspiring model with more than 10 ramp-walks to her credit within a year said, "#BNHAF Tiara is a source of great empowerment. Unlike other Tiaras that can be bought; #BNHAF really digs into the societal significance of the Tiara recipient."

BBN Internship Program l More Than Objects: The Culture of Passing Things Down

By - Jui Deshpande

We all remember that one saree that our mothers so lovingly talk about. The saree that was given to her by her mother. “Not a piece of cloth, but a big part of the person.” This is what we usually hear when people talk about passing things down.

This can be called a worldwide culture, something that can be seen across the globe. A piece of jewellery, clothes, books, or even small trinkets, they all carry memories. Memories of your loved ones. In a way, you live a part of their life, and the objects get a second chance at life. The idea here is not about using old things, but about the meaning behind them. These objects carry the personality of your loved ones, and when they are passed on to you, they slowly become a part of your own identity.

However, we can see a slight decline in this practice due to consumerism. While many people still treasure their heirlooms, the rise of fast fashion and constant consumption has shifted the focus toward buying and gifting new things. This is not necessarily wrong, but in the process, the beauty of older, meaningful objects often gets overlooked.

There are people who hold on to any physical reminder of a moment, something that connects them to a memory, a person, or a feeling that cannot be replaced.

In many ways, these objects become more than just possessions. They act as silent storytellers, carrying fragments of the past into the present. A ring, a book, or even a simple piece of cloth can hold years of emotions, relationships, and experiences within it. Without saying a word, they remind us of where we come from and the people who shaped our lives. Keeping us connected to our roots.

In a world that constantly pushes us towards the new, the act of holding on to something old becomes quietly meaningful. It is not just about preserving an object, but about preserving a connection. Passing things down is not simply a tradition, it is a way of ensuring that memories continue to live on, even as time moves forward.

Advertorial - Earth Water Foundation launches Global Sustainability & Innovation Awards 2026

• Recognising India’s Leading Water Sector Changemakers with Global Sustainability & Innovation Awards 2026

The first edition of the Global Sustainability & Innovation Awards 2026, organised by 'Everything About Water (EAWATER)', was successfully launched on 24th March 2026 evening at SAMVET Auditorium (G), IGNCA, Janpath, New Delhi, bringing together key stakeholders across government, industry, startups, and civil society to recognise measurable impact and execution in the water sector.

The event featured Durga Shanker Mishra (IAS), Former Chief Secretary, Government of Uttar Pradesh as Chief Guest, who emphasised the need to shift from policy intent to disciplined execution in water governance.

The Guest of Honor, Sulochana Das, Mayor, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, addressed the gathering and highlighted the role of urban local bodies in building resilient and sustainable water systems.

The event was also attended by senior government leadership including: Manjulata Kanhar, Hon’ble Deputy Mayor, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation; Chanchal Rana, IAS, Commissioner, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation; senior municipal commissioners and public officials from across India.

The Jury comprised of distinguished personalities that brought to fore the ethos of integrity and technical depth to this platform; their credibility defined the strength of these awards. The jury incudes:

• Durga Shanker Mishra (IAS), Former Chief Secretary, Government of Uttar Pradesh
• Dr. Veena Khanduri, Executive Secretary-cum Country Coordinator, GWP India
• B.B. Singh, Founder & CEO, BBSingh Consulting Services
• Mahip Singh, CEO, Innovation Hub UP, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University
• Dr. Shiv Singh Rawat, Former Superintending Engineer, Haryana Irrigation & Water Resources Department
• Pradnya Thakur, Sustainability Advisor
• R.P. Singh, General Manager (Jal, E&M), Noida Authority

Foundation

The event opened with a welcome address by Shivani Gorawat, Founder Member, Everything About Water (EAWATER), who articulated the vision of building a platform rooted in credibility, performance, and measurable impact. The evening concluded with a vote of thanks by K. K. Rao, Managing Director, Earth Water Foundation, acknowledging the contribution of all stakeholders in making the inaugural edition a success.

A Platform Focused on Execution, Not Optics

The EAWATER Awards have been designed as a credibility-driven platform recognising real, on-ground impact across the water ecosystem—covering drinking water, wastewater, infrastructure, industrial efficiency, and climate resilience. All entries were evaluated through a structured jury process based on:

• Technical performance
• Scalability
• Measurable impact
• Sustainability outcomes

Government & Public Utility Excellence Awardees

• Key government awardees included:
• Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation - represented by Sulochana Das (Mayor), Manjulata Kanhar (Deputy Mayor), and Chanchal Rana, IAS (Commissioner)
• Karnataka Urban Water Supply & Drainage Board
• Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation
• Satara Municipal Council – Digital water infrastructure & intelligent utility systems
• KSCSTE – Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM), Kozhikode, Government of Kerala – Rainwater harvesting excellence
• Municipal Corporation Ludhiana - represented by Dr. Vineet Kumar, PCS (Joint Commissioner) and Dr Parul Goyal, Superintending Engineer

Industry Leaders Driving Technology & Scale Awareddes

Leading industry awardees included:

• VA Tech WABAG – Sludge treatment & resource recovery
• Grundfos Pumps India Pvt. Ltd. – Energy-efficient pump engineering & ZLD
• Vishvaraj Environment Limited – Wastewater reuse projects

Additional key Awardees

• Pure N Safe Private Limited
• InnoQor Technologies
• COOLDECK Industries Pvt. Ltd.
• Aquality Intelligent Solutions Pvt. Ltd.
• Transfilm Technology Inc

Along with Rostfrei Steels Pvt. Ltd., Nirtech Private Limited, Sahara Industry, V-Guard Industries Ltd., among others.

Startups & Innovation: Emerging Leaders

• Recognised startups included:
• Sustainico Technologies Private Limited
• NICO Nanobubble India Co.
• Prasinos Tech Innovations Pvt. Ltd.
• Aryav Ecofriendly Resources Pvt. Ltd., Baldota Envirocare Pvt. Ltd.,
• ArCh Enviro Equipment Pvt. Ltd.

NGOs Driving Grassroots Impact

NGO awardees included:

• S M Sehgal Foundation
• Rural Integrated and Social Education Society (RISES)
• AltTech Foundation

Special Recognition: Leadership That Shapes the Sector

Special honours were conferred upon:

• G. Asok Kumar, IAS, Former Director General, National Mission for Clean Ganga – National Water Leadership & Governance
• Ajay Popat, Senior Advisor, Ion Exchange (India) Limited – Water Technology Leadership
• Swapnil Desai, Deputy Engineer, Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation – Global Water–Wastewater–Energy Nexus Leadership (Public Sector)
• Nilesh Sheshrao Mankar, GSDA, Nagpur – Water Security Field Leadership
• Dr. Aloshree Choudhury, Andhra University – Woman Researcher Award

A Strong Signal for the Sector

The event brought together policymakers, municipal leaders, industry experts, startups, and NGOs—reinforcing a clear message: India’s water challenges require coordinated, execution-focused action across sectors.

The platform aims to:

• Identify scalable solutions
• Strengthen public-private collaboration
• Encourage investment in innovation
• Support implementation-led governance

Looking Ahead: A Long-Term Commitment

The 2026 edition marked the maiden launch of the EAWATER Global Sustainability & Innovation Awards. Building on the strong foundation of Everything About Water’s 25-year legacy in the

sector, the platform is envisioned as a long-term national benchmark for recognising real impact in water sustainability.

EAWATER has announced that the awards will now be organised annually on World Water Day, with a continued focus on credibility, measurable outcomes, and sector-wide collaboration.

About EAWATER

Everything About Water (EAWATER) is a leading platform in the water sector with over 25 years of legacy, connecting policy, industry, and innovation ecosystems, and driving knowledge, dialogue, and impact across the sector. For over two decades, EverythingAboutWater has been a trusted knowledge partner in the water and wastewater sector. Since its inception in 2000, the organization has successfully organized 20 global exhibitions and more than 500 conferences, seminars, and training programs, engaging stakeholders across the globe and driving meaningful industry dialogue.

News Shorts l IOS Sagar flag-off

By - Amit kumaR Agarwal

India is fast metamorphosing into a country that is calling the shots in the global polity.

From being one of the countries in the world, the rise of India as a global leader; a think-tank that the world looks up to, has been phenomenal - all this in a decade or so!

A definitive chapter i this unprecedented growth journey was added on April 02, 2026; when the Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth flag-off IOS SAGAR from Mumbai.

Hospitality, Travel, Tourism and Services Series l Parveen Rani

By - Bhaarat Bol News Team

with inputs from Amit kumaR Agarwal

Today aviation-industry is facing an unprecedented challenge. The flyers, are increasing day by day; it means delivering the services is very demanding, not only for the carriers, but the staff aiding these airlines as well.

The writer on his very recent visit, met a star-performer, Parveen Rani. She works as a Manager for Air India.  The flight was delayed by about an hour. The full flight as it was; saw anxious flyers bombarding her and other staff with questions. While the other staff was a bit overwhelmed, Parveen maintained her cool.

Parveen not only answered all the queries of the consumers; but also ensured that her staff was ready to handle the pressure.

Today when social media is the biggest reviewer, she ensured that each customer had a smile on their face.

She also handled cranky children with ease, thereby bringing a relief to the parents waiting with their toddlers to board. These small nitty-gritties are what makes the flying get the experiential-high edge!

Indeed, it is star-performers like Parveen Rani that ensure that the credibility and the reputation of an airline is not only maintained but also enhanced from time to time.